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    Home » Appetizers & Hors d'Oeuvres » Wasabi Glazed Seared Ahi Tuna Appetizer

    Wasabi Glazed Seared Ahi Tuna Appetizer

    Jul 5, 2020 · by Valentina · 33 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    This Wasabi Glazed Seared Ahi Tuna Appetizer is as delicious as it is pretty. It's sweet, spicy and fresh -- all at once. Suitable for any occasion or party, this super impressive recipe can be made in only twenty minutes. Wasabi Glazed Seared Ahi Appetizer with toothpicks on a white platter with chives

    What's not to love?

    It's beautiful, delicious and impressive.

    Tuna is seared to perfection, drizzled with a lovely sweet and spicy wasabi glaze, and strewn with finely chopped chives.

    Wasabi Glazed Seared Ahi Tuna Appetizer Recipe on a white platter with chives

    What Makes it special?

    • The ahi is slightly warm and peppery on the outside and refreshing and cool on the inside.
    • The wasabi glaze is spicy, sweet, rich and perfectly smooth — all at once.
    • It's super impressive and will totally wow your guests.
    • It only takes about twenty minutes to create.

    It’s truly a bite that will satisfy every desire your palate may have.

    Wasabi Glazed Seared Ahi Tuna Appetizer Recipe with toothpicks on a white platter

    Back in my catering days, this Wasabi Glazed Seared Ahi Tuna Appetizer was one of the most popular things on my menus -- especially for cocktail parties.

    I think seared tuna is universally a treat most people love, and in this recipe, it's festive and fun, too.

    The Wasabi Glaze

    While wasabi is quite spicy and pungent, the glaze is mellowed with a bit of honey and Tamari.

    Believe it or not, the unexpected ingredient in the glaze for this oh-so-scrumptious recipe is butter. Yep, butter!

    It makes the glaze shine and gives it a silky-smooth, rich texture.

    stack of bright pink, raw ahi tuna with pepper for Wasabi Glazed Seared Ahi Tuna Hors d'Oeuvre Recipe

    Don't forget as you're cooking, always take a moment to admire and celebrate the beauty of the individual ingredients. Who knew a pile of raw ahi could be so stunning? 

    Recipe Tips for

    • The easiest way to make this recipe is to buy the Ahi frozen and cut it when it’s partially thawed — you’ll get nice even pieces. (After you cut it and before you sear it, let it thaw completely.)
    • You can also make this as an entrée -- simply sear (or cook a bit more if desired), ahi steaks -- about 5-ounces per person -- and drizzle the wasabi glaze over them.

    This is a great appetizer to make for a small dinner or cocktail party. Again, while it looks oh-so-fancy, the prep is fairly quick and easy.

    I hope you'll give it a go.

    Enjoy every last bite of this Seared Ahi Tuna Appetizer recipe!

    More delicious ahi tuna recipes . . .

    • Ahi Tuna Tartare on Wontons
    • Kampot Pepper Seared Ahi Tuna
    • Seared Ahi Tuna Mango Avocado Appetizer
    • Marinated Seared Ahi Tuna
    Wasabi Glazed Seared Ahi Tuna bites with toothpicks on white plate

    Wasabi Glazed Seared Ahi Tuna Appetizer

    Valentina K. Wein
    The Wasabi Glazed Seared Ahi Appetizer recipe is as delicious as it is pretty.
    5 from 11 votes
    Print
    Prep Time 18 mins
    Cook Time 2 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Asian
    Servings 8
    Calories 114 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2½ teaspoons wasabi paste
    • 2 teaspoons low-sodium Tamari or soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • ¾ teaspoon honey
    • 1 pound Ahi tuna fillet, sushi grade (about 1-inch thick - see notes)
    • grapeseed, or other neutral oil for the pan
    • salt and freshly grated black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Add the wasabi and Tamari (or soy sauce) to a small sauté pan and use a small whisk to blend until it’s smooth.
    • Place the pan over low-medium heat and add the butter. Swirl the pan around until the butter has melted and is completely incorporated.
    • Whisk in the honey and set aside to cool to room temperature.
    • While the glaze is cooling, cut the Ahi into small cubes, about 1-inch -- and season them with salt and pepper. (It's very easy to cut into cubes if it's semi-frozen. Just be sure they're thawed by the time you sear them.)
    • Coat the bottom of a medium-sized sauté pan with the oil and place it over high heat. Once the pan is very hot, add the Ahi and sear all but two opposing sides. (If you don't hear a sizzling sound when the tuna hits the pan, it's not hot enough -- wait for the sizzle!) Only cook it through a bit, less than ⅛-inch, probably no more than 10 seconds per side. You can use a fork to simply roll them to sear each side. You’ll want to remove them from the pan the instant they’re done, so doing this in small batches is a good idea. Place them directly on a plate or serving platter, raw side up. (You can also cut the tuna into strips, and slice them into cubes after searing them.)
    • Drizzle the cooled wasabi glaze over them, add toothpicks and serve.

    Notes

    The easiest way to make this recipe is to buy the Ahi frozen and cut it when it’s partially thawed — you’ll get nice even pieces. (After you cut it and before you sear it, let it thaw completely.)
    You can also make this as an entrée -- simply sear (or cook a bit more if desired), ahi steaks -- about 5-ounces per person -- and drizzle the wasabi glaze over them.
    Keywords party food, bite-sized hors d'oeuvres
    Have you tried this recipe?I'd love to see it on Instagram! Tag me at @cookingontheweekends or leave a comment & rating below.

    Cooking On The Weekends is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Judy at Two Broads Travel

      January 20, 2015 at 2:08 pm

      This recipe is genius on so many levels--flavor, simplicity and beauty. Candy for the eyes and mouth.

      Reply
      • valentina

        January 20, 2015 at 5:30 pm

        Best comment ever! Thank you so much, Judy. 😀

        Reply
    2. David

      January 21, 2015 at 8:51 pm

      Gorgeous shots, Valentina! This is such a perfect starter! Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • valentina

        December 13, 2015 at 9:22 am

        Thanks so much, David! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Destiny

      December 13, 2015 at 4:53 am

      Can you make these over night and heat the next day?

      Reply
      • valentina

        December 13, 2015 at 9:21 am

        You can sear them the night before and refrigerate. Then glaze the next day. I would not heat them. Serving them cold would be best in this case. Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Jori

      January 29, 2019 at 8:54 pm

      These look absolutely gorgeous and luxurious! I can't wait to have this at our next party!

      Reply
      • valentina

        January 30, 2019 at 4:22 pm

        Thank, Jori. I hope they're a hit!

        Reply
    5. Andrea Metlika

      January 29, 2019 at 9:18 pm

      I am a fan of Ahi Tuna and this recipe is perfect for me! I can't wait to make this.

      Reply
      • valentina

        January 30, 2019 at 4:22 pm

        Hope you love it! Thanks so much.

        Reply
    6. Natalie

      January 29, 2019 at 11:25 pm

      I love ahi tuna! Looks so delicious and would be a perfect appetizer in parties!

      Reply
      • valentina

        January 30, 2019 at 4:23 pm

        Yes, it's a crowd pleaser for sure. 🙂 Thanks!

        Reply
    7. Annie @ Annie's Noms

      January 30, 2019 at 1:12 am

      We are obsessed with wasabi and this is such a pretty and delicious way to enjoy tuna!

      Reply
      • valentina

        January 30, 2019 at 4:24 pm

        Thanks! I love wasabi too. I'm always looking to create new recipes for it to land in. 🙂

        Reply
    8. Tisha

      January 30, 2019 at 4:04 am

      How funny! As I was scrolling through and reading, I said myself it looks like little chunks of watermelon! This does look and sound perfect combo of spicy and sweet!

      Reply
      • valentina

        January 30, 2019 at 4:24 pm

        Thanks, Tish. Yes, it's that vibrant pink! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Tara

      September 25, 2019 at 8:19 am

      Can I make the glaze ahead of time? If so, how many days?

      Reply
      • valentina

        September 25, 2019 at 11:51 am

        Hi Tara, yes you can make the glaze ahead of time. You can make it up to 4 days ahead, keeping it at room temperature. You can also refrigerate it for at least a week, though it will solidify a bit because of the butter. In this case, you'll need to warm it up before using it. Thanks and enjoy! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    10. David @ Spiced

      July 06, 2020 at 6:09 am

      Raw Ahi tuna trying is gorgeous! I'm jealous of you out there in California with access to amazing ingredients. Ahi isn't easy to find around here, and therefore I don't really trust it. However, this is a really cool appetizer idea! I can see why this was a fan favorite. 🙂 And that glaze....mmmm...butter.

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 06, 2020 at 3:02 pm

        Thanks so much, David. Wish it was easier for you to come by the tuna out that way. In the meantime, the glaze is delicious on almost any white fish, too. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    11. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

      July 06, 2020 at 10:53 am

      This is indeed a stunning appetizer! Delicious too and you just can't beat all those flavors!

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 06, 2020 at 3:01 pm

        Thanks so much, Kathy! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    12. 2pots2cook

      July 07, 2020 at 1:33 am

      Wow ! Agree completely with you ! What's here not to like ?!? Amazing keeper !

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 07, 2020 at 5:55 pm

        Thank you! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    13. Marissa

      July 07, 2020 at 9:03 am

      This is genius, Valentina! My mouth is literally watering... I'd gladly make a meal of just these!

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 07, 2020 at 5:55 pm

        I love that, Marissa. Thank you! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    14. Kim Lange

      July 07, 2020 at 9:27 am

      Your food always looks so tempting and beautiful! These do not disappoint! Pinning! xo

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 07, 2020 at 5:56 pm

        Thank you so much, Kim! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    15. John / Kitchen Riffs

      July 08, 2020 at 7:30 am

      That pile of raw ahi really IS stunning! So is the cooked stuff. 🙂 Neat recipe -- thanks.

      Reply
    16. Dawn - Girl Heart Food

      July 09, 2020 at 4:07 am

      Such fun (and flavourful) little bites!! Perfect for summer entertaining. I can only image the delicious punch of flavour from the wasabi! Plus, who doesn't love little bite-sized eats...though, I'm pretty sure I'd devour a whole bunch 😉

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 10, 2020 at 8:27 pm

        Thanks, Dawn! I agree, little bite-sized eats are the best! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    17. Kelly | Foodtasia

      July 10, 2020 at 6:37 pm

      Such a lovely dish, Valentina, with wonderful flavors! So elegant for entertaining!

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 10, 2020 at 8:36 pm

        Thanks, Kelly! Yes, it's one of my favorites for parties. Hoping we can have them again in the near future. 😉 Stay well! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply

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